
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognise the achievements, history, and contributions of black people, while also reflecting on the struggles and progress toward equality. This year’s theme highlights the profound contributions of black leaders, activists, and pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking toward a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.
To mark Black History Month, NTSU have created a calendar signposting events across Nottingham that embrace the community and showcase the impact of black history within the city. Below is a list of student-accessible events, offering a unique variety of perspectives and experiences to celebrate this powerful month.
One of Africa’s most significant photography festivals comes to Nottingham in LagosPhoto: Stories of Movement and Belonging, a major exhibition bringing together photographers from across Africa and the diaspora.
LagosPhoto: Stories of Movement and Belonging - Lakeside Arts, NottinghamDiscover the experiences of six Caribbean gardeners of the Windrush generation and their legacy at Hungerhill Gardens in St Anns, Nottingham, England’s oldest and largest allotment site. Featuring interviews, photographs and a new poem by Carla Thompson.
Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners: exhibition at Beeston Library – Five Leaves BookshopListen to live poetry, including a new poem presented for the first time, from Nottingham City of Literature’s Nature Poet Laureate Cara Thompson and the remarkable stories of the green-fingered Windrush generation who helped shape the historic Hungerhill Gardens known today as St. Ann’s Allotments.
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026 - Cara ThompsonLegend – the music of Bob Marley is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show. Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate the timeless hits Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Satisfy My Soul, Iron Lion Zion, I Shot the Sheriff and many more reggae classics.
Book Tickets | Theatre RoyalWho decides whether you are “Black enough”? Is Black identity defined by ancestry, nationality, culture, politics, lived experience, or something else entirely? Who decides what it means to be Black? Can one shared identity unite people of African descent, or is there room for many different ways of being Black? Come ready to think, talk, question and share your perspective.
Celebrate Black History Month by crafting unique clay and fabric portraits of the people who inspire us, honouring identity, heritage, and community.
Get creative this Black History Month with a themed mandala crafting session. Explore meaningful patterns, colours, and symbols inspired by African and Caribbean heritage.
The Talking Circle is a welcome space for Black students to come together and speak openly about the issues that matter to them. This is an opportunity to come as you are, share as much or as little as you wish, and help shape the conversations that Black students want to have. Come think. Come talk. Come question. Come get involved.
Join this Book Club Read-along to discover short stories, poems and non-fiction reads by Black authors as part of Black History Month. Only open to NTU students.
Book Club Read-Along for Black History Month | Nottingham Trent UniversityOpen to all NTU students, join Jackie P for an inspiring session exploring her 15+ year journey in radio, television, live events, and community leadership. Discover how creativity, confidence, and communication can open doors in any career.
Get creative this Black History Month with a themed mandala crafting session. Explore meaningful patterns, colours, and symbols inspired by African and Caribbean heritage.
2026 marks the 25th Anniversary of Music Beyond Mainstream, the groundbreaking tour producer, famed for bringing the most exciting and innovative music to a network of venues across the UK. Under the African Soul Rebels banner MBM has been at the forefront of introducing music from Africa and the African diaspora to UK audiences, including Amadou & Mariam, Tinariwen, Femi Kuti, Baaba Maal, Oumou Sangare and many more.
Book Tickets | Royal Concert HallJoin this Book Club Read-along to discover short stories, poems and non-fiction reads by Black authors as part of Black History Month. Only open to NTU students.
Book Club Social for Black History Month | Nottingham Trent UniversityDiscover the beauty and significance of Kente cloth in our Kente Master Craft Workshop. Learn about the rich cultural heritage behind this iconic African textile in a fun, hands-on, creative environment.
Virtuoso kora player, singer-songwriter and composer Suntou Susso was born in The Gambia and now lives in the UK. Suntou’s compositions are rooted in the Afro-Manding and Griot musical tradition with influences from folk, funk, jazz and soul.
Suntou Susso & The Gambian Superstars - Lakeside Arts, NottinghamOpen to all NTU students, join Jackie P for an inspiring session exploring her 15+ year journey in radio, television, live events, and community leadership. Discover how creativity, confidence, and communication can open doors in any career.
And Still I Rise showcases powerful new performances for Black History Month, across dance, poetry, spoken word, rap and music. Ten Midlands-based artists from Black, African and Caribbean backgrounds have created work that is brave, honest and highly evocative. Each brings their own unique voice to their performance, often turning the personal into the political.
View Details | Nottingham Arts TheatreThe award-winning Once Upon a Time in Sokoto tells the epic story of a beautiful but unlikely friendship forged between a slave and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria.
Book Tickets | Nottingham PlayhouseHere we honor influential individuals whose dedication and achievements have shaped history and inspired positive change across the globe.
Get involved with Black History Month, by joining our events, sharing your own experiences or educating yourself on the importance of Black history.
We recognise that Black history isn’t limited to one month a year and are committed to working year-round to effectively represent our Black students and staff.
Our Black Futures programme ensures year-round events, campaigns, and resources to help create a more equal future for everyone.
Have you had a chance to explore the Black Students' Guide?
Take a look at our Black Students' Guide, featuring the finest spots for food, beauty, and support. Created by NTSU and the Black Leadership Programme, this guide was developed in collaboration with staff and students to help you transition into university life with ease.